Karen M. Rankin, 844-5100 (karenr@uce.auburn.edu)

AU OUTREACH OFFERS POPULAR BASS FISHING TECHNIQUES SEMINAR

AUBURN -- Auburn University's Outreach Program Office has the perfect way for the sport fisherman to improve his or her odds for success when spring arrives -- the two-day Bass Fishing Techniques Institute with six of America's top professional angle rs.

The program will be Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1-2, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the AU Hotel and Conference Center. It will be presented by AU and the Bass Anglers Sportsmans Society, the world's largest fishing organization.

"Without exception, the 1996 Institute drew rave reviews from over 225 participants," says Cheryl Hulsey, program developer. "Because of the positive response, we are pleased to again host the 1997 Institute at the AU Hotel and Conference Center whic h can accommodate a large group in a very comfortable
setting."

The professionals who will be teaching the institute include:

** David Fritts of Lexington, N.C., 1994 BASS Angler of the Year; 1993 BASS Masters Classic Champion and five-time BASS Masters Classic Finalist. As 1994 Angler of the Year he caught 432 pounds and seven ounces of bass. He also set a new BASS record for a four-day event of 91 pounds, three ounces.

** Guido Hibdon of Gravois Mills, Mo., 1988 BASS Masters Classic Champion, 1991 BASS Angler of the Year; 1990 BASS Angler of the Year, and 10 time BASS Masters Classic Finalist.

** Dion Hibdon of Gravois Mills, Mo., five-time BASS Masters Classic Finalist, lure designer and bass fishing guide.

** Tony Bean of Nashville, Tenn., One of America's premier smallmouth anglers.; Bean is a longtime smallmouth guide and a regular contributor to several outdoor publications, including Bassmaster Magazine, and host of the television series Sm allmouth U.S.A.

** Peter Thliveros of Jacksonville, Fla., Five-time BASS Masters
Classic Finalist, and one of America's authorities on fishing the Carolina Rig.

** Don Iovino of Burbank, Calif., 1985 U.S. BASS Angler of the Year in the North and South divisions; member of the International Fishing Hall of Fame, California bass fishing guide, originator of the ADoodle Worm@ technique, and nationally known fin esse expert.

The Bass Fishing Techniques Institute is an accelerated course in bass fishing strategy which covers all the techniques the pros use to catch bass, plus the pros offer their "tricks of the trade." During the two-day seminar, 12 different one-hour wo rkshop sessions will be presented. The course fee is $89. Spouses and children under 16 can attend with a paying adult for half price.

Several top pros credit the seminar with providing a boost to their pro career by teaching them many fine points of bass fishing. Robert Hamilton, 1992 BASS Masters Classic Champion says of the Institute, "Bass Fishing Techniques is a real must for any angler who wants to improve his skills."

In 1994, Bass Fishing Techniques was inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame for contributions to education and conservation.

Saturday's activities begin at 8 a.m. with on-site registration. After an orientation session, participants will attend six different workshop sessions with instructors Guido Hibdon, Dion Hibdon and Thliveros. The formal program ends at 4 p.m., but p articipants may attend informal "think tank" sessions with individual instructors until 4:45 p.m.

Sunday's schedule begins at 8 a.m. as instructors Fritts, Bean, and Iovino conduct an additional six sessions followed by Sunday's "think tank."

To register or for additional information, contact the Outreach Program Office at 334-844-5100 or visit its World Wide Web page at http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/bass/.

CONTACT: Hulsey, 844-5100 (cheryl@uce.auburn.edu).